No fatalities

1986-05-07: Learjet 24 (N55NJ) — My Wife Yacht Sales — North Perry, United States of America

North Perry, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 7, 1986, a Learjet 24 (registration N55NJ) operated by My Wife Yacht Sales was involved in an aviation accident near North Perry, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction Phase of operation: landing - roll Findings 1. (c) hydraulic system, reservoir - low level 2. (c) aircraft preflight - poor - pilot in command 3. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781217444Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N55NJ
Aircraft registered N55NJ. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft experienced a brake failure on landing rollout, ran off the left side of the runway, and struck a fence. Post-crash examination revealed an empty hydraulic reservoir and uncharged accumulators. All four occupants were uninjured.

Accident Description

The pilot reported that the approach and landing were normal, but during the landing rollout, the brakes were found to be inoperative. The aircraft subsequently departed the left side of the runway and collided with a fence surrounding a ballpark.

Post-Crash Examination

Examination of the hydraulic system after the accident revealed that the hydraulic reservoir was empty. Additionally, the main accumulator and the thrust reverser accumulator had no air charge.

Occupant Status

All four occupants escaped the aircraft uninjured.

Probable Cause

The official findings identified three contributing factors:

  • Hydraulic system reservoir - low level
  • Aircraft preflight - poor (pilot in command)
  • Maintenance, service of aircraft/equipment - improper (other maintenance personnel)

These issues led to a hydraulic system failure, resulting in brake loss during landing rollout and subsequent overrun, culminating in collision with a fence.